A local foundation in Baltimore initiated this project designed to transform communities through strategic partnerships and investments while offering resources and services for local residents.
The 33,000 square foot, two story, former gelato manufacturing factory sitting in a disinvested neighborhood for West Baltimore, will be converted into a community opportunity center. The building will host programs and services for the local community including workforce development, food access, population health, and youth mentoring. New spaces include a commercial kitchen to support food initiatives, a teaching kitchen, classrooms and computer labs, shop space, and community gathering space, and tenant spaces for area non-profits
Following its industrial nature, the existing building consists of masonry walls, an exposed steel structure, and minimal windows. Detailed ironwork adorns the building which dates back to the early 1950’s. A gated parking lot separated the building from the street, otherwise the building abuts its lot lines.
Needing to host multiple programs and operations while being open to the public, the new design is conceptualized as a “village.” Tenant and programmed spaces ring a central public courtyard on each level. On the ground level, the courtyard connects to the southern, street facing, facade to create a generous gathering space and allow the building to open to the outside. On the second floor, the courtyard breaks off into alleys which end in new, grand, windows, separating programs and opening views to connect the building to the community.
Three 400 sqft lightwells are introduced on the interior of the building over the public courtyards flooding both floors with natural light. A new planted plaza anchors the project to the street, brining nature and shade to an otherwise barren streetscape.
OJBL 